Mother Yogeshwari was a young wife and mother before she was a yoga teacher. She had no idea she would meet an enlightened sage, Swami Venkatesananda, and that her devotion to him would guide her whole life.
From that moment on, she dedicated her life to yoga. She became the embodiment of the spiritual name given to her by the Guru. Long before she was our spiritual mother, she spread the Guru’s teachings not only in South Africa but around the world during Swamiji’s travels.
Most of us devotees of Swami Venkatesa, from many countries, were decades her junior. She mothered us all, a beacon of love, light and support. An example for us to live up to.
Mother had such a strong sense of place. Her vision of Ananda Kutir as a true ashram, a refuge for seekers to deeply embrace yoga in this life. She carried on this seva even when Swamiji passed away in Johannesburg. Carrying on was his mission, and hers.
Mother Yogeshwari is one of the true yoga visionaries. She never wavered, she never tired, she never gave up. Mother was the ideal of a real disciple, just as was her Guru, Swami Venkatesananda.
I never met Mother in person. I first corresponded with her in 1975 as I was collecting Swamiji’s books published in South Africa to offer as an archive. We renewed our friendship decades later by email.
We had always planned to meet in person in South Africa for Swamiji’s centenary jayanthi this year. Instead, he called her to him, to become one with the Guru forever.
Mother Yogeshwari lives in our hearts forever. She will live with the Guru forever.
We honour you, Mother, with all our love and blessings. You mean so much to me.
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